Help! How do I figure out my maint cals / TDEE?

TheStephil

I am attempting to figure out my normal TDEE and would like some help. I am hoping I can get some opinions that can point me in the right direction. A quick summary of my daily activity; I have a desk job in which I do little walking around. I walk on my hour lunch and both of my 10 minute breaks. When I get home I am on my feet often but do spend time in front of my TV. I make sure I get as much walking as possible even if it’s just short bursts (parking further away, walking to a co-worker’s desk to ask a question, taking dishes into the kitchen in multiple trips, etc.) My BodyMedia calculates about 10k steps (or 5 miles walked) a day on average. I do a bodyweight strength program 4 days a week as well.
I am 22 years old 5’7 female who weights 153lbs with 27% body fat. My BodyMedia is calculating that I burn on average 2,500-2,600 calories a day. Online calculators are all over the place depending on my selected activity level (I usually go with light active / active) and I’ve seen TDEEs of 2,100 – 2,900. What I’m hoping to do is put the weight loss on hold and attempt to figure out how much I can eat on maintenance and in turn figure out my actual TDEE. I am looking for help on the best way to accomplish this.
I am current eating an average of 1,700-1,800 a day. My original plan was to bump my intake to 2,000 calories and see how my weight reacts then go from there. However, I have no idea how long a normal body takes to adjust to increased calories. Or would it be better to bump it up to what I am estimating my TDEE is (2,300-2,400 calories) and give myself a few weeks and see what happens to my weight?
Thank you in advance.

coopersmom2006

Join the Eat More To Weigh Less group and ask those ladies. They are VERY knowledgeable!

TheStephil

Thanks, I am a part of that group as well. I will post a message on their board and see if they have any ideas.

LongIsland27itl

Google IIFYM Calculator